Mark Vender
In response to feedback from installers and customers, the Victorian government is proposing amendments to the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program. The changes relate to decommissioning, disposal, record-keeping and certificate creation form requirements for space heating and cooling and water heating.
The VEU program has been designed to help Victorians reduce their energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions by providing access to discounted energy-efficient products and services. These include high-efficiency air conditioners, hot water heat pumps, refrigerators and freezers, refrigerated cabinets, and cold rooms.
Over the past 18 months, there have been a number of updates to the space heating and cooling and water heating activities in the program to support Victoria’s transition away from gas to energy-efficient electric appliances.
In response to feedback on these activities, and areas where the government has identified risks of poor outcomes for consumers, further changes are now being proposed. The government is seeking feedback on proposed amendments to decommissioning, disposal, record-keeping, and certificate creation form requirements.
One specific area of consultation is whether existing ductwork should be replaced when ducted gas heaters are replaced with ducted reverse-cycle air conditioners. Currently, this is not a requirement within the program.
The government says stakeholder feedback will inform changes to guidance materials and revised requirements that will aim to strike the right balance between protecting consumers and the integrity of the VEU program, and the compliance burden on participating businesses.
For more information and to comment on the proposed changes, visit the Essential Services Commission website.
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